South London LLN Diploma Development Funds 2008/2009 GUIDANCE NOTES South and West London Lifelong Learning Networks want to support proposals for projects that will assist the progression of learners who have completed the new level 3 diploma to higher level study. Consideration will be given to project proposals that will assist the progression of learners commencing any of the first ten diplomas in either September 2008 or September 2009 which fall into the following categories. Please note that the LLNs are only able to fund activities that relate to level 3 provision and above: the development of HE course curriculum (either new or revised) that takes account of the skills and knowledge of diploma learners, the modification of existing or new provision that could be incorporated into the diplomas as the Additional and Specialist Learning element of the diploma (this might be at level 3 or level 4). Activities that will foster closer links between those teaching the diploma and HE staff (i.e. arrangements for HE staff to contribute to the setting and assessment of the extended project) Staff development activities for staff teaching the diplomas from September 2008 that helps the progression of learners into higher level study (i.e. support with research methods or project supervision) The LLNs will be working with partners over the course of the next term to develop a suite of progression agreements that will make explicit the progression routes from the diplomas to defined HE level programmes offered by partner institutions within the two regions. At this point we would not consider funding progression agreement projects initiated from individual partner organisations. What ever you are planning, you should discuss your ideas with one of the Project Team who are identified at the end of this guidance note. This is particularly important as it will enable us to ensure that your proposal fits within the parameters of the project and is broadly aligned with its aims, objectives and priorities. We can also provide guidance where individuals have identified a potential project area but are looking to form partnership links with local Diploma consortia. Who can apply for project funds? All partner institutions in either the South or are eligible to apply for funding. We are inviting bids from consortia that include either a South London or West London HE or FE partner and a Diploma Delivery Partnership. Projects may include organisations that are not formal members of either LLN but as long as they are working with a member organisation funding will be available. We will expect a lead institution to be identified who will receive the Diploma Development Fund 0809 Guidance Note 1
funds and who will be responsible for accounting and reporting for the development. A full list of member organisations is available at the end of this guidance note. The first ten diplomas The LLNs will consider proposals that cover any of the following level three diploma lines: Commencing September 2008 Commencing September 2009 Construction Creative & Media Engineering Information Technology Society, Health & Development Environmental & Land-based Studies Manufacturing & Product Design Hair & Beauty Studies Business Administration & Finance Hospitality How much funding can you apply for? We want to support projects that will have tangible outcomes and significant impact and in all cases the level of funding awarded will be assessed in relation to the resources needed to undertake the work proposed to achieve the intended outcomes. You should discuss the level of funding your project might need with a member of the project team. Please bear in mind that the maximum funding per project we expect to award is 7,000. When seeking funding for projects, consideration should be given to seeking match funding. Whilst this will not be used as a criteria when considering each application it will strengthen your application as it demonstrates commitment to your project from other sources. What can funds be spent on? Funding can be used to cover the direct costs of the project. This will normally include staff costs, travel and subsistence, materials, consultant costs, evaluation etc. However, this is not a definitive list. Please contact a member of the Project Team if you have any further queries relating to the costs of your proposed project. How will funding applications be considered? Applications for funding will be considered by the Project Team against the following criteria: Does the proposal show how progression opportunities for diploma learners will be enhanced? Is there clear evidence of demand/need for the project? Is there a clear description of the activities to be undertaken and the outcomes to be achieved? Is there a clear description of who will undertake the work and how the work will be managed? Are there plans for monitoring and evaluation? Diploma Development Fund 0809 Guidance Note 2
Is there a realistic breakdown of funding required? How to apply? In the first instance you should discuss your ideas with a member of the Project Team contact details are at the end of this note. We will be able to help you develop your project, broker links with other network partners and generally advise on your proposal. You will need to complete an Diploma Development Fund 2008-2009 application form, which is attached to this guidance note and also available on the following websites: www.southlondonlpe.co.uk and www.westlondonlln.org The LLNs are not setting deadlines for the submission of Diploma Development Fund applications. Completed forms can be submitted at any point after the 30 th September 2008. Applications will be considered on the last Friday of each month thereafter by a panel drawn from the two LLNs together with external representation. Applicants will receive notification of the outcome of their bid by the middle of the following month. The Diploma Development Fund is a finite resource and will close when all the money has been allocated or by the 30 th March 2009 whichever occurs first. Bids will not be received after this time. Partners will be kept up to date on the availability of these funds. Signed, hard copy application forms should be submitted to the address below. All applications should be signed by the applicant and a member of your institutions senior management team. Address: Nicola Prime Walpole House 18 22 Bond Street Ealing London W5 5AA What happens if my application is successful? You will receive notification of the result of your application in writing. You will also receive the following: A funding form that you will need to sign to indicate acceptance of the funding and the conditions that are associated with the funding A mid term evaluation report form A final evaluation report form What conditions apply to the funding? You will be required to: work with the Project Team to develop a short interim evaluation report Diploma Development Fund 0809 Guidance Note 3
Submit a final evaluation and impact assessment report of the project within one month of completion of the project keep proper records of activity and expenditure that can be audited if necessary. commit to the dissemination of the outcomes, impact and sustainability of the project across the two LLNs. Successful projects will be expected to update the Project Team on a regular basis on progress. The Project Team will negotiate a timetable of project management meetings with you. What is the funding period? Funds must have been drawn down by the end of June 2009. The LLNs will not be able to process invoices after the end of July 2009. This does not mean that your project needs to deliver by then but you must have drawn down the money by then. If during the course of the project there is an indication that the project funds will not be spent you must communicate this to the Project Team as soon as possible. Unspent funds will be drawn back to LLNs. What happens if my proposal is not successful? You will receive notification of the result of your application in writing. If your application is not successful, you can seek feedback from the Project Team. The Project Team John McDonald Denise Cooper South London LLN Dr Graeme Hall 020 8231 0193 John.McDonald@westlondonlln.org 020 8547 8792 D.Cooper@kingston.ac.uk 020 8231 2948 graeme.hall@westlondonlln.org Diploma Development Fund 0809 Guidance Note 4
Partner Organisations Brunel University Capel Manor College College of North West London Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College Harrow College Kingston University Royal Holloway, University of London St Dominic s Sixth Form College Stanmore College Thames Valley University Uxbridge College West Thames College University of Westminster William Morris Sixth Form South London LLN Bromley College Carshalton College Coulsdon College Croydon College Goldsmith s, University of London Greenwich University Hillcroft College John Ruskin College Kingston College Kingston University London South Bank University Merton College Orpington College Ravensbourne College of Design & Communication Roehampton University Royal Holloway, University of London Richmond Adult Community College Richmond upon Thames College South Thames College St George s, University of London St Mary s University College University of the Arts London, Wimbledon West Thames College Diploma Development Fund 0809 Guidance Note 5